The theme country this year at the 47th International Kolkata Book Fair — to be held from 18 to 31 January — is the United Kingdom. As Calcuttans, our connection with the UK is deep at both historical and cultural levels. This year also marks 75 years of the British Council in India. t2 has compiled a list of 10 books — English and Bengali titles — that speak of the connections that still persist between the Orient and the Occident, literary works that weave together seamlessly the intricacies that exist between our two lands. Resonating deeply with the culture of Calcutta that is inherent in us all, these books are timeless pieces of literature that celebrate narratives of diverse cultural connections and stand as a bridge between the storied streets of Calcutta and the literary heart of the West. Add these to your read list if you haven’t had the chance to read them before.
Chowringhee by Sankar
Bengal and the UK through its vivid portrayal of post-colonial Indian society. The novel unfolds in the Shahjahan Hotel, a microcosm of Calcutta, where characters from diverse backgrounds and cultures intersect, including those influenced by British colonialism. Sankar’s narrative captures the lingering impacts of British rule in Calcutta, reflected in the societal structures, attitudes, and the cosmopolitan nature of the city. Chowringhee delves into themes of modernity, cultural change, and the identity crisis faced by a society in transition, grappling with its colonial past and emerging post-colonial identity
Naw Hanyate by Maitreyi Devi
A deeply personal narrative that connects Bengal and the West through a tale of intense and transformative love, Maitrayi Devi’s Naw Hanyate explores the cultural and emotional chasms between Bengal and the West, particularly pronounced during the colonial era. Considering the complexities of crosscultural relationships and underscoring the challenges and misunderstandings that arise from divergent cultural backgrounds and expectations, the novel is a poignant reflection on memory, cultural identity, and the lasting impact of colonialism, illustrating how personal relationships eventually become microcosms of larger cultural interactions.
No Country by Kalyan Ray
An expansive novel that transcends geographical boundaries by connecting Bengal, the UK, and other regions through a multigenerational saga, this story is set against the backdrop of historical events like the Great Famine of Ireland and the Bengal Famine and explores the intertwined destinies of families from these diverse cultures. Ray crafts narratives that span centuries and continents, illustrating how colonialism, migration, and historical upheavals link Bengal and the UK. The characters’ journeys between these lands reflect on themes of displacement, identity, and the search for belonging in the face of adversity, portraying how personal histories in Bengal are intricately linked to the colonial and post-colonial narratives of the United Kingdom.
Pratidwandi by Sunil Gangopadhyay
Set in the turbulent 1960s of Calcutta, Sunil Gangopadhyay’s book reflects the sociopolitical unrest of the time. The protagonist, Siddhartha, is a young man whose aspirations and struggles are emblematic of the societal changes occurring in postIndependence India, a period still heavily influenced by its colonial past with the UK. The novel, while primarily focused on life in Calcutta, subtly touches upon the lasting impacts of British colonialism in India, exploring themes of modernity, cultural identity, and the influence of Western education and ideals, which were a legacy of British rule.
Gora by Rabindranath Tagore
Tagore Set in the early 20th century, Gora explores the theme of Indian nationalism against the backdrop of British colonial rule. The novel delves into the identity crisis and the struggle for self-discovery of its protagonist, Gora, who is fiercely patriotic and believes in a Hindu identity free from British influence. Through various characters and their ideological conflicts, Tagore masterfully portrays the socio-cultural milieu of Bengal during the British Raj. The novel examines the influence of British thought and the reaction to it in Bengali society, highlighting the intellectual and cultural tug-of-war between the colonizers and the native population.
Brick Lane by Monica Ali
Born and raised in a small village in Bangladesh, Nazneen’s life takes a dramatic turn when she enters into an arranged marriage and moves to London’s Tower Hamlets. The novel vividly portrays her struggles to navigate a new life in the UK while grappling with the cultural and emotional ties that she bears toward her homeland. Ali explores the themes of identity, assimilation, and the complexities of living in a multicultural society, while simultaneously delving into the dichotomy of life between the traditional, rural world of Bangladesh and the fast-paced, cosmopolitan environment of London.
The Shadow Lines by Amitav Ghosh
A profound exploration of the intricate connections between Bengal and the UK, the novel traverses time and space, linking together the lives of families in Calcutta and London respectively. Ghosh masterfully depicts how historical events like the Swadeshi movement, World War II, Partition of India, and the communal riots of 1963-64 in Dhaka and Calcutta each create deep, invisible ‘lines’ that connect these two geographically distant regions. Through his characters, the author also delves into the complexities of memory and identity, illustrating how personal histories in Calcutta are inextricably linked to experiences in the UK.
Shesher Kobita by Rabindranath Tagore
Through its fine exploration of love, intellectualism, and cultural introspection, this timeless work by Tagore delves into the complexities of East-West dichotomy, as the Westerneducated Amit, with his European sensibilities and intellectual lifestyle, navigates relationships and societal expectations in colonial Bengal. Tagore’s portrayal of the characters and their interactions reflects the impact of British cultural and intellectual thought on the Bengali elite. The narrative is a beautiful tapestry of the cultural and emotional aestheticism of Bengal and the UK, highlighting the fusion of ideas and the struggle between identities in a colonial and post-colonial context.
The Lives of Others by Neel Mukherjee
Set in 1960s Calcutta in the middle of raging sociopolitical turmoil, the novel delves into the life of a Bengali family while simultaneously weaving in a storyline that brings to light life in the UK. Portraying the disparities between life in postcolonial Bengal and the modern, industrialised environment of the UK, The Lives of Others becomes a narrative bridge, connecting the personal and political landscapes of Bengal with the experiences of expatriate life in the UK.